CN101346119A - Fasteners with improved comfort - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel is disposed near the inboard end and has a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent the outboard end and has a fastening element region and an intermediate region. The intermediate region is disposed between the fastening element region and the panel adjacent the interface between the panel region and the end region. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a hardness greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between and bonded to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the patch region and the end region.

Description

Fasteners with improved comfort

field of invention

The present invention relates to fastening members. In particular, the present invention relates to fastening members having surface fastening elements and having a portion having increased resistance to warping under an applied load.

Background of the invention

Refastenable mechanical fastening systems are used in many applications. For example, such refastenable fastening systems can be used to join one portion of a disposable absorbent article to another portion of the disposable absorbent article.

In general, a mechanical fastening system can include a fastening member with a female/female component and/or a fastening member with a male/male component. In some mechanical fastening systems, the engaging member includes a plurality of hook elements and the receiving assembly includes a plurality of loop elements. In the fastened state, the hook element is typically entangled with the loop element to form a connection between the engaging component and the receiving component.

During fastening, tension is applied to the fastening members. Applied tension can induce compressive forces in the fastening member that can cause a portion of the fastening member to shrink (neck). In addition, compressive forces often act on the joined components and cause them to warp.

Unfortunately, when warped, the hook elements of the engaging assembly may be misaligned, eg not in the same plane. Such misalignment of the hook elements can result in less than 100% of the hook elements engaging the receiving component, reducing the performance of the fastening system.

Typically, stiffeners may be added to the fastening members to provide increased resistance to warping. However, if the stiffener is not sufficiently secured, the edges of the stiffener may become exposed when that portion of the fastening member necks. In some instances, the exposed edges can cause irritation to the wearer's skin.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fastening member that provides increased resistance to warping and reduces the likelihood of hardened material edge exposure.

Summary of the invention

Fastening members constructed in accordance with the present invention can provide improved fastening system performance. In some embodiments, the fastening member has an inboard end and an outboard end. The fastening member also includes panel regions, end regions, and stiffening elements. The panel is disposed adjacent the inboard end and includes a first layer and a second layer joined to the first layer in a face-to-face orientation.

The end region is disposed adjacent the outboard end and includes a fastening element region and an intermediate region. The intermediate region is disposed between the fastening element region and the panel adjacent the interface between the panel region and the end region.

The stiffening element is disposed at the end region and has a hardness greater than about 200 N/m. The stiffening element is disposed between and bonded to the first layer and the second layer near the interface between the sheet region and the end region.

In other embodiments, the fastening member may further include an elastomeric element disposed between the first layer and the second layer such that it is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer. Between the second floor. Additionally, the fastening element region can have a first stiffness and the intermediate region can have a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The fastening member may further include a fastening element disposed at said end region, the element defining said fastening element region.

Figure overview

Figure 1A is a plan view showing a fastening member constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure IB is a plan view showing additional features of the fastening member of Figure IA.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the fastening member of Figure 1A as seen through line 2A-2A.

2B-2C are cross-sectional views showing other embodiments of the fastening member of FIG. 1A.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the fastening member of Figure 1A.

Figure 4A is a plan view showing a disposable diaper including a fastening member constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4B is a plan view showing another embodiment of the fastening member of Figure 8A.

Figure 5 is a front view showing the equipment used to test the hardness of a material.

FIG. 6A is a front elevational view showing a plunger for use with the apparatus of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view showing a plunger used with the apparatus of FIG. 5 .

Fig. 7 is a graph showing the peak load and slope calculation area on the bending curve.

Figure 8 is a front view showing a measurement of the exposed edge of a stiffening element in a fastening member.

Detailed description of the invention

definition:

As used herein, the terms "absorbent article" and "article" refer to a wearable device that absorbs and/or contains liquid, and more specifically refers to a wearable device that is placed next to or placed next to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various Device for draining exudates. Suitable examples include diapers, training pants, refastenable pants, pull-ons, adult incontinence products, and feminine care products such as sanitary napkins. Furthermore, the terms "absorbent article" and "article" include "disposable absorbent articles" which are intended to be ready for use after not more than ten uses, preferably not more than five uses, and more preferably after a single use. Discarded and thus not ready to be laundered, or otherwise kept (although certain components may be recycled, reused, or composted).

"Body-facing" and "garment-facing" refer to the relative position of an element or the surface of an element or group of elements, respectively. "Body-facing" means that an element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. "Garment-facing" means that the element or surface is further away from the wearer during wear than some other elements or surfaces (ie, the element or surface is closer to the outer garment of the disposable absorbent article worn by the wearer).

As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article typically worn by infants and incontinent persons around the lower torso so as to encircle the wearer's waist and legs and which is particularly adapted to receive and contain urine and feces. As used herein, the term "diaper" also includes "pants" as defined below.

As used herein, "elastically extensible" refers to the property of an extensible material. After removal of the force that stretched the extensible material, the material has the ability to return substantially to its original dimensions.

As used herein, the terms "outer surface" and "inner surface" refer to a position relative to a portion of a fastening member as shown. The terms "outer surface" and "inner surface" do not necessarily indicate a location relative to the fastening member after it has been joined to the article.

As used herein, the term "engaging" includes configurations whereby an element is secured directly to another element by directly affixing the element to another element, as well as configurations by which the element is affixed intermediately. element, the intermediate element is attached to another element to indirectly fix the element to said other element.

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "longitudinal" means a direction generally parallel to the longest edge of an element. In the context of disposable absorbent articles, "longitudinal" is generally a vertical run, extending from one waist edge of the article to the opposite waist edge, and generally parallel to the largest linear dimension of the article. Directions within ±45 degrees of longitudinal are considered "longitudinal".

The term "lateral" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to and in the same plane as the "longitudinal" direction. In the context of disposable absorbent articles, the term "lateral" extends from one longitudinal edge of the article to the opposite longitudinal edge of the article. Directions within ±45° laterally are considered "laterally".

The term "machine direction" or "MD" refers to a direction in a process that is generally parallel to the forward direction of a material, member, element, part, etc. For example, nonwoven materials are typically formed in the machine direction, which corresponds to the long or rolled direction of the manufacturing process. The machine direction is also the primary direction of fiber orientation in nonwovens.

The term "cross direction" or "CD" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to and in the same plane as the machine direction.

As used herein, the terms "shorts", "training pants", "enclosed diaper", "prefastened diaper" and "pull-on diaper" refer to waist openings and leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. Disposable clothes. Shorts may be formed to have a closed waist and leg openings prior to donning on the wearer, or may be formed to have a closed waist and leg openings formed while on the wearer. Pants may be preformed using any suitable method including, but not limited to, utilizing refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g., seaming, welding, adhesives, cohesive bonding, fasteners, etc. ) to join parts of the article together. The pant can be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article (eg side fastening, front waist fastening, rear waist fastening). Examples of suitable shorts are disclosed in the following patents: US Patent 5,246,433, US Patent 5,569,234, US Patent 6,120,487, US Patent 6,120,489, US Patent 4,940,464, US Patent 5,092,861, US Patent 5,897,545, US Patent 5,957,908, and US Patent Publication No. 2003 /0233082 A1.

manual

The fastening members of the present invention can provide improved fastening capabilities. The fastening members of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of consumer products and merchandise that would benefit from having fastening members constructed in accordance with the present invention. In any of the embodiments described herein, the fastening member can be a separate element added to the merchandise. For example, fastening members can be discrete structures that are joined to any component of an absorbent article (eg, topsheet, absorbent core, backsheet, fastening system, cuffs, etc.) or other merchandise (eg, wraps, medical products, etc.). Alternatively, the fastening member may be configured as part or all of any element of the merchandise or fastener. For example, the fastening member may be configured as part or all of any component of an absorbent article (eg, topsheet, absorbent core, backsheet, fastening system, cuffs, etc.) or other merchandise (eg, wraps, medical products, etc.). Additionally, the fastening member may be disposed in any suitable location on or within the article or fastener. For example, the fastening member may be provided on, or incorporated into, a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface of the article or fastener.

As shown in FIG. 1A , a fastening member 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention may include an inboard end 102 and an outboard end 104 . Fastening member 100 may also include panel region 110, end region 120, and stiffening elements 230 (shown in FIG. 2A). The swath 110 and end region 120 are separated by an interface 1700 that includes the distal end 110B of the swath 110 . A panel 110 may be disposed near the inboard end 102 of the fastening member 100 . The panel 110 may also include a proximal edge 110A and a distal edge 110B. As shown, the proximal edge 110A may be disposed proximate the medial end 102 .

In some embodiments, the panels 110 may be elastically extensible. In some embodiments, the panels 110 may be extensible but not elastically extensible. For example, after removal of the force that stretched the segment 110, the segment may lack the ability to return to approximately its original size.

The sheet region 110 may be more ductile than the end region 120 . For example, in some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 100% under an applied load of about 0.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can be extended to greater than or equal to about 100% under an applied load of about 1.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 100% under an applied load of about 4.0 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150% under an applied load of about 0.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150% under an applied load of about 1.5 N/cm. In some embodiments, the panel region 110 can extend to greater than or equal to about 150% at an applied load of about 4.0 N/cm.

In contrast, in some embodiments, end region 120 may extend to less than about 100% at an applied load of about 4.0 N/cm. In some embodiments, the end region 120 can extend to less than about 50% under the aforementioned applied load. In some embodiments, the end region 120 can extend to less than about 15% under the aforementioned applied load.

The end region 120 can be disposed near the outboard end 104 of the fastening member 100 . End regions 120 may include fastening element regions 114 and intermediate regions 112 . Intermediate region 112 may be disposed between fastening element region 114 and panel region 110 . As shown, in some embodiments, the intermediate region 112 may be disposed near the interface 1700 between the patch region 110 and the end region 120 .

In some embodiments, the end region 120 may also include a grip region 118 disposed between the fastening element region 114 and the outboard end 104 . The gripping region 118 may assist a user in manipulating the fastening member 100 . For example, if the fastening member 100 is joined to a disposable diaper, the gripping region 118 can help the user grip the fastening member 100 so that the entire fastening process is facilitated. The gripping region 118 may be an extension of the end region 120 or a discrete component joined to the end region 120 .

The fastening element region 114 may be defined by the perimeter of the fastening elements 116 disposed in the end region 120 . Fastening element region 114 includes all layers adjacent and/or above fastening elements 116 . Fastening elements 116 may be joined to end regions 120 by any suitable means. Exemplary means for engaging the fastening elements 116 to the end regions are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C .

In some embodiments, the fastening element region 114 can have a first stiffness that can be greater than about 1000 N/m. In some embodiments, the first hardness may be greater than about 1500 N/m. In some embodiments, the first hardness may be greater than about 2500 N/m. In some embodiments, the first hardness may be in the range of between about 1000 N/m to about 7000 N/m or any single value within the range. In some embodiments, the first hardness may range from about 1500 N/m to about 6000 N/m. In other embodiments, the first hardness may range from about 2500 N/m to about 5000 N/m.

The stiffness of the fastening element region 114 can provide a more stable fastening member 100 in this region. For example, conventional fastening members can shrink and fastening elements can buckle under an applied fastening load, typically a tensile load. However, because the fastening member 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention includes the fastening element region 114, which can have a greater stiffness than the corresponding fastening element region in conventional fastening members, when a fastening load is applied to the buckle The fastening element region 114 may be more resistant to warping when the member 100 is fastened. Because the fastening element regions 114 can be more resistant to warping, the fastening elements 116 can also be more resistant to warping. Due to the increased resistance of the fastening elements to buckling, it is believed that more of the fastening elements 116 may engage their target surfaces during fastening.

A portion of the middle region 112 may have a second hardness that may be less than the first hardness. For example, in some embodiments, the second hardness may be less than about 1000 N/m. In some embodiments, the second hardness may be greater than about 200 N/m. In some embodiments, the second hardness may be greater than about 300 N/m. In some embodiments, the second hardness may be greater than about 400 N/m. In some embodiments, the second hardness may be in the range of about 200 N/m to about 1000 N/m or any single value within the range. In some embodiments, the second hardness may range from about 300 N/m to about 750 N/m. In some embodiments, the second hardness may range from about 400 N/m to about 600 N/m.

A portion of the middle region 112 having the second hardness may be disposed near the interface 1700 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the portion of the intermediate region 112 having the second stiffness may be disposed inwardly from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 toward the inner end 102 . For example, in some embodiments, the portion may be positioned inwardly from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 (toward the inner end 102) to at least about 10% of the mid-region width 133 (shown in FIG. 1B ). In some embodiments, the portion may be positioned inwardly (toward the inboard end 102 ) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 to at least about 25% of the mid-region width 133 (shown in FIG. 1B ). In some embodiments, the portion may be positioned inwardly from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 (toward the inner end 102) to at least about 50% of the mid-region width 133 (shown in FIG. 1B ). In some embodiments, the portion may be positioned inwardly from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 (toward the inner end 102) to at least about 75% of the mid-region width 133 (shown in FIG. 1B ). In some embodiments, the portion may be positioned inwardly (toward the inboard end 102 ) from the inner edge 302 of the fastening element 116 to at least about 95% of the mid-region width 133 (shown in FIG. 1B ).

Intermediate region 112 is not limited to having only a portion of the second hardness. In some embodiments, the entire middle region 112 may have the second hardness. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate region 112 may have a hardness gradient. For example, a first portion of the intermediate region 112 adjacent the fastening element region 114 may have a stiffness equal to a first stiffness, eg, greater than about 1000 N/m. In contrast, a second portion of the intermediate region 112 adjacent the interface 1700 between the sheet region 110 and the end region 120 may have a hardness equal to the second hardness, eg, less than about 1000 N/m. A third portion of the intermediate region 112 (disposed between the first portion and the second portion) may have a hardness between the first hardness and the second hardness. As another example, the stiffness of the intermediate region 112 may vary continuously from the inner edge 302 to a second portion of the intermediate region 112 adjacent the interface 1700 . In these embodiments, the hardness may increase and/or decrease.

The reduced stiffness in this portion of the middle region 112 may provide improved comfort to the wearer. In some embodiments, the fastening member 100 can be joined to the disposable absorbent article such that the intermediate region 112 is positioned in the high motion zone of the wearer. In these cases, increased stiffness (eg, a stiffness greater than about 1000 N/m) can lead to red marks on the wearer because the middle region of the fastening member is more resistant to warping. In contrast, a portion of the intermediate region 112 of the present invention has a reduced hardness (eg, a hardness of less than about 1000 N/m), thereby allowing that portion of the intermediate region 112 to warp more easily without impinging on the wearer skin.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the panel region 110 may have a third hardness. In some embodiments, the third hardness may be less than about 250 N/m. In other embodiments, the third hardness may be less than about 150 N/m. In other embodiments, the third hardness may be less than about 100 N/m. In some embodiments, the third hardness may be less than the second hardness. In some embodiments, the third hardness may be equal to the second hardness.

One advantage of having reduced stiffness in panel region 110 as compared to fastening element region 114 is that the reduced stiffness in panel region 110 can reduce the cost for manufacturing the panel. Typically, increasing the durometer value in the fastening member results in increased cost. Performance enhancements and cost reductions are achieved by limiting the increase in stiffness to specific portions of the fastening members of the present invention.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the fastening members of the present invention may be joined to an area of a disposable absorbent article that is subject to substantial movement by the wearer. For example, in some embodiments, the fastening members of the present invention may be joined to disposable diapers as side panels. Because the side panels are typically positioned in high motion areas of disposable diapers, another advantage of having the panels 110 with reduced stiffness compared to the fastening element areas 114 is that the panels of reduced stiffness can be far more easily adapted than stiffer materials. shaped by the wearer. Additionally, because the fastening members are in the high motion areas of the disposable diaper, the stiffer panels may cause red marks on the wearer's skin.

The fastening member 100 may also include stiffening elements 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ). A stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may be disposed in the end region 120 . Intermediate region 112 includes a portion of stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the fastening element region 114 includes a portion of a stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ). In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may include the entire end region 120 .

The stiffening elements 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) can achieve a desired first stiffness in the fastening element region 114 and/or can achieve a desired second stiffness in the intermediate region 112 . In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a hardness of less than about 1000 N/m. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a stiffness greater than about 200 N/m. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a stiffness greater than about 300 N/m. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a stiffness greater than about 400 N/m. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ) can have a stiffness in the range of about 200 N/m to about 1000 N/m, or any single value therein. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a hardness in the range of about 300 N/m to about 750 N/m. In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3 ) may have a hardness in the range of about 400 N/m to about 600 N/m.

As shown in FIG. 1B , the fastening member 100 can have a fastening member length 122 near the inboard end 102 . End region 120 may have end region length 125 near interface 1700 and fastening elements 116 may have fastening element length 126 . Fastening member length 122 is the maximum linear distance between leading edge 1010 and trailing edge 1012 . End region length 125 is the maximum linear distance between leading edge 1010 and trailing edge 1012 near interface 1700 . Fastening element length 126 is the maximum linear distance between first end side 1015 and second end side 1016 of fastening element 116 . The aforementioned maximum linear distance is substantially parallel to the first direction 490 .

In some embodiments, the fastening member length 122 can be equal to the end region length 125 and the fastening element length 126 can be equal to the end region length 125 . In some embodiments, fastening element length 126 may be less than end region length 125 , which is less than fastening member length 122 . For example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 90 percent of the end region length 125 . As another example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 80 percent of the end region length 125 . As another example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 50% of the end region length 125 . As another example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 90 percent of the fastening member length 122 . As another example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 80 percent of the fastening member length 122 . As another example, the fastening element length 126 can be less than or equal to about 50 percent of the fastening member length 122 .

As shown, the middle region 112 can have a middle region width 133 and the fastening elements 116 can have a fastening element width 132 . Median region width 133 is the maximum linear distance between innermost point 250 (shown in FIG. 2A ) of stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ) and inner edge 302 of fastening element 116 . Fastening element width 132 is the maximum linear distance between inner edge 302 and outer edge 304 of fastening element 116 . The maximum linear distance corresponding to the intermediate region width 133 and the fastening element width 132 is generally parallel to the second direction 491 .

In some embodiments, the intermediate region width 133 can be about 0% greater than the fastening element width 132 . In some embodiments, the intermediate region width 133 may be about 25% greater than the fastening element width 132 . In some embodiments, the intermediate region width 133 may be about 50% greater than the fastening element width 132 . In some embodiments, the intermediate region width 133 can be about 100% greater than the fastening element width 132 .

In some embodiments, the first direction 490 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the second direction 491 may be substantially parallel to the lateral direction. In some embodiments, the second direction 491 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction 490 . In some embodiments, the second direction 491 can be generally parallel to the main direction of applied tension (eg, the force applied to the fastening member during fastening).

As previously described, the perimeter of the fastening elements 116 defines the fastening element region 114 . Thus, fastening element width 132 is also the width of fastening element region 114 . Similarly, fastening element length 126 is also the length of fastening element region 114 .

Slab region 110 and end region 120 may be separated by interface 1700 . In some embodiments, interface 1700 may be defined in part by innermost point 250 (shown in FIG. 2A ) of stiffening element 230 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ).

As previously discussed, the fastening element region 114 may have an increased stiffness compared to the intermediate region 112, and in some embodiments when compared to the stiffness of the panel region 110. The stiffness of the fastening element region 114 may be increased by any suitable means. Examples of suitable means for increasing the stiffness of the fastening element region 114 will be discussed with reference to Figures 2A to 2C.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , in some embodiments, the sheet region 110 may comprise a laminated structure. For example, as shown, in some embodiments, the area 110 may include a first substrate 202 and a second substrate 204 . The first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 may be bonded together in a face-to-face orientation. The first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 may be joined together by a first bonding agent 216 and/or a second bonding agent 217 .

End region 120 may also comprise a laminated structure. For example, the end region 120 may include stiffening elements 230 and fastening elements 116 . In addition, the end region 120 further includes at least a portion of the first base 202 and/or the second base 204 . A stiffening element 230 may be disposed between the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 .

Stiffening element 230 may include a first portion 260 and, in some embodiments, may also include a second portion 265 (shown in FIG. 2B ). The first portion 260 may be disposed near the panel 110 and the second portion 265 may be disposed near the outboard end 104 . The first portion 260 can have a first portion width 280 that is approximately parallel to The smaller one of the maximum linear distances in the second direction 491 . In some embodiments, the first partial width 280 may extend all the way out to the outboard end 104, as shown in FIG. 2A. In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion 260 may be secured between the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 by the first bonding agent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or any other suitable means.

As shown in FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, the fastening elements 116 may be joined to the second substrate 204 by a third bonding agent 218 . As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C , in some embodiments, the fastening element 116 is joined to the stiffening element 230 by a third bonding agent 218 .

As shown in FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, the first base 202 and/or the second base 204 can extend outward from the medial end 102 to the lateral end 104 such that the first base 202 and/or the second base 204 comprise the entire end zone 120. In some embodiments in which both the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 include the entirety of the end region 120 , the first portion 260 may include the entirety of the stiffening element 230 .

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 2B , in some embodiments, the first base 202 and/or the second base 204 can extend outward from the inner end 102 such that the first base 202 and/or the second base 204 include end A portion of the region 120 but not the entire end region 120. For example, as shown, the intermediate region 112 may include a portion of the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 , but the fastening element region 114 may not include the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 . As another example, the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 can extend outwardly from the medial end 102 such that the intermediate region 112 and the fastening element region 114 each include a portion of the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 .

As shown, in some embodiments, first bonding agent 216 and/or second bonding agent 217 may extend from inboard end 102 toward outboard end 104 to overlap a portion of end region 120 . In some embodiments, first bonding agent 216 and/or second bonding agent 217 overlap at least first portion 260 of stiffening element 230 such that stiffening element 230 is bonded to first substrate 202 and second substrate 204 .

As shown in FIG. 2C , in some embodiments, the first base 202 can extend from the medial end 102 to the lateral end 104 such that the first base 202 includes the entire end region 120 . The first bonding agent 216 may similarly extend from the inboard end 102 to the outboard end 104 such that the first bonding agent 216 includes the entire end region 120 . In contrast, as shown, in some embodiments, second bonding agent 217 may extend from inboard end 102 into end region 120 such that second bonding agent 217 overlaps a portion of intermediate region 112 . Similarly, in some embodiments, second substrate 204 may be configured as described above with reference to FIG. 2B .

Stiffening element 230 may be of any suitable size. For example, stiffening element 230 may overlap the entire end region 120 . As another example, first portion 260 of stiffening element 250 may be disposed between first substrate 202 and second substrate 204 and extend outwardly such that stiffening element 230 includes a portion of fastening element region 114 . In some embodiments, stiffening element 230 may extend inwardly from outboard end 102 to inboard end 102 such that stiffening element 230 includes the entire panel region 110 .

One advantage of the present invention is that first portion 260 of stiffening element 250 is disposed between and bonded to first substrate 202 and second substrate 204 . Because the first portion 260 is bonded to the first substrate 202 and to the second substrate 204 , the edges of the first portion 260 are secured between the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 . Thus, the edges of the stiffening elements 230 are less likely to be exposed when the fastening member is under tension.

First portion width 280 may have any suitable size. For example, in some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be about 2% greater than middle region width 133 . In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be between about 2% and 100% of middle region width 133 or any single value within that range. In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be between about 10% and 75% of middle region width 133 . In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be between about 25% and 50% of middle region width 133 . In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be greater than or equal to fastening element width 132 in addition to intermediate region width 133 . In some embodiments, the first portion width 280 may be equal to the end region width. In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be greater than about 1 mm and less than or equal to about 50 mm, or any single value within this range. In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be greater than or equal to about 4 mm and less than or equal to about 35 mm. In some embodiments, first portion width 280 may be greater than or equal to about 8 mm and less than or equal to about 25 mm.

In some embodiments, under tension between 1.5 N/cm and 4.0 N/cm, the edges of the stiffness elements 230 in the first portion 260 are exposed by less than about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the edges of the stiffness element 230 have an exposed edge length measurement of less than about 2 mm. As shown in FIG. 8 , the exposed edge length is the maximum distance substantially parallel to the first direction 490 between the first edge 1018 and the leading edge 1010 of the stiffening element 230 . Alternatively, the exposed edge length may be a maximum distance substantially parallel to the first direction 490 between the second edge 1017 and the trailing edge 1012 of the stiffening element 230 . The test method used to measure the exposed edge length is described below. In some embodiments, the edge of stiffness element 230 in first portion 260 is exposed by less than about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the exposed edge length of the edge of the stiffness element 230 is less than about 0 mm.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the amount of exposed edge of stiffness element 230 to end region length 125 defines an exposure ratio, and may be between about 0% and about 10%, or any single value within the range. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 5%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 3%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 2%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 1%.

In some embodiments, the amount of exposed edge of the stiffness element 230 to the exposure ratio of the fastening element length 126 is between about 0% and about 10%, or any single value within the range. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 5%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 3%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 2%. In some embodiments, the exposure rate may be less than or equal to about 1%.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the panels may be elastically extensible. In embodiments where the panels are elastically extensible, fastening members constructed in accordance with the present invention may include elastomeric elements. One example of such an embodiment will be discussed with reference to FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , in addition to the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 , the panel region 110 may also include an elastomeric element 240 . The elastomeric element 240 may be sandwiched between the first substrate 202 and the second substrate 204 . Although not shown, elastomeric member 240 may be joined to first substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204 by first bonding agent 216, second bonding agent 217, and/or any other suitable means.

As shown, in some embodiments, a hardening material 230 may be disposed between the elastomeric element 240 and the first substrate 202 . In other embodiments, the stiffening element 230 may be disposed between the elastomeric element 240 and the second substrate 204 . Additionally, while FIG. 3 shows first substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204 including the entire end region 120, first substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204 may also be constructed as previously described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. In embodiments where the stiffening element 230 overlaps a portion of the elastomeric element 240 , a bonding agent may be disposed between the stiffening element 230 and the elastomeric element 240 .

Additionally, as shown, in some embodiments, elastomeric element 240 may extend from medial end 102 to end region 120 such that only a portion of end region 120 (eg, intermediate region 112 ) includes a portion of elastomeric element 240 . In other embodiments, the elastomeric element 240 may extend from the medial end 102 to the lateral end 104 such that the elastomeric element 240 includes the entire end region 120 . In other embodiments, the elastomeric element 240 may extend from the medial end 102 to the end region 120 such that the intermediate region 112 and the fastening element region 114 each include a portion of the elastomeric element 240 .

The fastening members of the present invention may comprise a variety of materials. For example, first substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204 may comprise a woven material, a nonwoven material, a film, a laminate, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first substrate 202 and/or the second substrate 204 can be extensible and/or elastically extensible. If first substrate 202 and/or second substrate 204 include a nonwoven material, any suitable nonwoven material may be used. In some embodiments, the nonwoven material may include a fibrous layer. In other embodiments, the nonwoven may include more than one fibrous layer. Any suitable nonwoven material can be used. For example, suitable nonwoven materials may include fibers made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, cellulose, polyamide, or combinations thereof. Fibers of one material or fibers of a different material or combination of materials may be used for the first and/or second nonwoven. Exemplary nonwoven materials include those formed by spunbond, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), spunbond-meltblown-meltblown-spunbond (SMMS), carded, meltblown, etc. s material. Particularly popular nonwovens include high elongation carded (HEC) nonwovens and depth activated polypropylene (DAPP) nonwovens. Nonwovens can be made by any method known in the art.

Nonwovens may comprise mechanically bonded fibers, including needle punched or hydroentangled fibers. Other bonding methods suitable for making suitable nonwoven materials for use in the present invention are spunbonding, thermal bonding, various types of chemical bonding (such as latex bonding, powder bonding, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the nonwoven may have a basis weight in the range of about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm, or any individual value within the range. In other embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven may range from about 40 gsm to about 80 gsm. In other embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven may range from about 50 gsm to about 60 gsm. The basis weight of the substrates of the present invention can be any suitable basis weight.

Fibers can be of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the denier of the fibers may range from about 1 to about 10 or any individual value within the range. In some embodiments, the denier of the fibers may range from about 1 to about 8. In other embodiments, the denier of the fibers may range from about 1 to about 5.

Elastomeric element 340 may comprise any suitable elastomer known in the art. Suitable elastomeric elements may comprise a wide variety of materials as are well known in the art. Some examples include elastomeric films, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, formed elastic scrims, and synthetic elastomers (eg, Lycra ^™ ). Suitable elastomeric elements 240 for use in connection with the present invention may include elastic strands and/or elastic films. Any suitable elastic film known in the art may be used. Suitable elastic films may include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, or combinations thereof. The film basis weight ranges from about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm.

Alternatively, or in combination with an elastic film, the elastomeric element 340 may also include elastic strands. Suitable elastic strands can be made from stretchy elastic thermoplastic materials. The elastic strands can be made by extruding a liquid elastic material through a die to obtain the desired elastic strand diameter and/or shape. The shape of the extruded elastic thread is not limited. For example, elastic strands typically have a circular cross-sectional shape, but elastic strands can sometimes have different shapes, such as a trilobal shape, or a flat (ie "ribbon") shape. Suitable elastic strand shapes include: rectangles, circles, ovals, rhombuses, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, wedges, or other portions of circles or ovals, other polygons, or other irregular closed shapes. Additionally, the thickness or diameter of the elastic strands can be varied to suit a particular application. Typically, the elastic strands may have a thickness in the range of about 0.02 mm to about 1 mm and a basis weight in the range of about 20 g/m2 to about 300 g/m2. The elastic strands can be applied individually to the substrate, can be extruded onto the substrate, or can be printed onto the substrate.

Apparatus and methods suitable for printing elastomeric elements in arbitrary orientations are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0181200, US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0193133 and WO 2005/110731A3. For printing of elastic strands, individual elastic strands may be configured as lines or strands generally less than about 2 mm in width and typically less than about 1 mm in width. The linear elastic strands may be configured as strips generally having a width between about 2 mm and about 20 mm and an aspect ratio of the strips in the range of about 2:1 to about 100:1. Typically, the elastic strands may have a thickness in the range of about 0.02 mm to about 5 mm and a basis weight in the range of about 20 g/m ² to about 300 g/m ² .

First bonding agent 216, second bonding agent 217, and/or third bonding agent 218 may include any suitable bonding agent known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the bonding agents can include an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive can be used in the present invention. For example, the binder may include styrene-olefin-styrene triblock copolymers such as styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, etc., or combinations thereof.

An example of a suitable bonding agent for joining the fastening element 116 to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204 is an adhesive manufactured by Bostik located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, which has model number H2988-F02. In some embodiments, the fastening element 116 may be joined to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204 by a bonding agent plus a mechanical bond, a fusion bond, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fastening element 116 may be joined to the stiffening element 230 and/or the second substrate 204 by mechanical bonding, fusion bonding, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one of the bonding agents can include a polymer. Any suitable polymer known in the art may be utilized. Examples of some suitable polymers include high modulus hot melt polymers or may include melt polymers. Any suitable molten polymer can be used. Some examples of molten polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first bonding agent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in the fastening element region 114 can be greater than or equal to about 30 gsm. In other embodiments, the basis weight of the first bonding agent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in the fastening element region 114 can be greater than or equal to about 60 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first bonding agent 216, the second bonding agent 217, and/or the third bonding agent 218 in the fastening element region 114 can be greater than or equal to about 100 gsm.

Hardening material 230 may be any suitable hardening material known in the art. Examples of some suitable stiffening materials 230 include any type of web such as woven, nonwoven, laminate, natural or synthetic materials including polypropylene, polyethylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate) , nylon, paper, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. Examples of some suitable laminates include bilaminates of film and nonwoven, such as M18-750 or M18-1018 (manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH). An example of a suitable nonwoven material is Typar SBPP3301Y (manufactured by BBA Fiberweb ^™ located in Brentwood, TN).

As previously mentioned, the fastening members of the present invention can be used in a number of consumer products. For example, the fastening members of the present invention can be joined to disposable diapers. One example of such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4A.

As shown in FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, fastening members 100A and 100B constructed in accordance with the present invention can be joined to a disposable diaper 500 . The fastening members 100A and 100B may be constructed similarly to the fastening members previously described.

The fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposable diaper 500 near their respective inboard ends 102A and 102B. As shown in FIG. 4A , the disposable diaper 500 can include a liquid pervious topsheet 522 and a backsheet 524 joined to at least a portion of the topsheet 522 . The disposable absorbent article 500 also includes an absorbent core 546 positioned between the topsheet 522 and the backsheet 524 . The disposable diaper 500 may also include elastic leg components 532, a first waist member 502, and a second waist member 504.

A portion of the perimeter of the disposable diaper 500 may be defined by the longitudinal edges 575A and 575B, the first waist edge 550 and the second waist edge 551 . The longitudinal edges 575A and 575B can be generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 590 of the disposable absorbent article 500 . The first waist edge 550 and the second waist edge 551 can be generally parallel to the transverse centerline 580 of the disposable diaper 500 .

The first waist feature 502 and/or the second waist feature 504 may be elastically extensible. As shown, in some embodiments, the first waist feature 502 may be disposed adjacent the first waist edge 550 . In some embodiments, the second waist feature 504 may be disposed adjacent to the second waist edge 551 . Generally, the first waist feature 502 and/or the second waist feature 504 can be placed under tension prior to being attached to the disposable diaper 500 . Accordingly, upon releasing at least a portion of the tension applied to the first waist member 502 and/or the second waist member 504, a portion of the disposable diaper 500 joined thereto may wrinkle. This wrinkling of the disposable diaper 500 can allow the first waist member 502 and/or the second waist member 504, and the disposable diaper 500 to expand and contract around the waist of the wearer, thereby providing greater comfort and comfort to the wearer. Improved fit. Examples of suitable lumbar members 502 and/or 504 include those described in US Patent 4,515,595, US Patent 5,151,092, and US Patent 5,221,274. While disposable diapers are typically constructed with two elastic waist features, one positioned in the first waist region and the other positioned in the second waist region, diapers can also be constructed with a single elastic waist feature.

The disposable diaper 500 may also include an outer cuff and an inner cuff to improve containment of liquids and other body exudates. Each elasticized outer cuff may include several different embodiments to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg region. Outer and inner cuffs are also described in US Patent 3,860,003, US Patent 4,909,803 and US Patent 4,695,278.

As previously mentioned, the disposable diaper 500 may also include fastening members 100A and 100B. The fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposable diaper 500 such that a portion of the panel region 410A and a portion of the panel region 410B can extend outwardly from the first longitudinal edge 575A and the second longitudinal edge 575B of the disposable diaper 500, respectively. In some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the second waist region 538 of the disposable diaper 500; In the waist region 536 .

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the disposable diaper 500 may include fastening members disposed in the second waist region 538 and fastening members disposed in the first waist region 536 . In these embodiments, at least one of the fastening members of the first waist region and/or the fastening members of the second waist region includes complementary fastening elements. For example, the fastening members in the second waist region may include fastening elements that include engaging components, while the fastening members in the first waist region may include fastening elements that include receiving components. Any suitable combination of complementary fastening elements may be used.

In some embodiments, the disposable diaper 500 may include a fastening member having a plurality of fastening elements as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown, in some embodiments, fastening members 1200A and 1200B may include multiple fastening elements. For example, the fastening member 1200A can include an engagement assembly 1242 having a plurality of engagement elements. The engagement component 1242 can be disposed on the first surface 1202A of the fastening member 1200A. In some embodiments, the fastening member 1200A can also include a receiving component 1275 that can be disposed on the second surface 1204A of the fastening member 1200A. The second surface 1204A may be opposite the first surface 1202A.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the second fastening member 1200B can include an engagement component 1243 disposed on the first surface 1202B and an engagement component 1273 disposed on the second surface 1204B. One advantage of this arrangement is that engaging components 1242 and 1245 can engage receiving components disposed on disposable diaper 500 (shown in FIG. 4A ), or can engage receiving components 1275 and 1273 on other fastening members. For example, in some embodiments, engagement component 1242 can engage receiving component 1273 when fastened. In other embodiments, the engagement component 1243 can engage the receiving component 1275 when fastened.

Referring to Figure 4A, in some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B may form part of the leg openings when the disposable diaper 500 is fastened. Fastening members 100A and 100B may form a portion of a leg opening that is disposed on the outer surface of a wearer's leg. The crotch region 510 of the disposable diaper 500, which adjoins the first waist region 536 and the second waist region 538, may form part of leg openings disposed on the inner surfaces of the wearer's legs.

In some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B can engage an outwardly facing surface of the backsheet 524 . In some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet 522 . In some embodiments, the fastening members 100A and 100B may be joined between the topsheet 522 and the backsheet 524 of the disposable diaper 500 . The fastening members 100A and 100B can be joined to the disposable diaper 500 in any suitable configuration or location.

The disposable diaper 500 also includes a fastening system 540 that preferably engages at least a portion of the first waist region 536 and at least a portion of the second waist region 538 to form leg openings and a waist opening. Fastening system 540 also cooperates with waist members 502 and/or 504 to maintain lateral tension in order to hold disposable absorbent article 500 in place around the wearer's waist. Fastening system 540 may include fastening elements 416A and 416B, which in some embodiments may be disposed on fastening members 100A and 100B. The fastening system 540 may also include a receiving component, which in some embodiments is disposed in the first waist region 536 of the disposable diaper 500 . The fastening elements 416A and 416B can be configured to engage the receiving component, thereby engaging the first waist region 536 and the second waist region 538 of the disposable diaper 500 .

Any suitable fastening element known in the art may be used in the present invention. Examples of suitable fastening elements include engaging components, receiving components, adhesive components, cohesive components, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

Examples of suitable engagement components may include hook fastening materials. The hook fastening material can mechanically engage the fibrous elements of the receiving element to provide a secure closure. The hook fastening material according to the present invention can be made of various materials. Examples of suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination of these materials, or other materials as known in the art.

A suitable hook fastening material includes several formed engaging elements protruding from the backing, such as a commercially available material named Scotchmate ^™ under the brand name FJ3402, available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn. Alternatively, the engagement element may have any shape, such as a hook shape, a "T" shape, a mushroom shape, or any other shape as is known in the art. Exemplary hook fastening materials are described in US Patent 4,846,815. Another suitable hook fastening material includes a series of prongs formed from a thermoplastic material. Hot Melt Adhesives Thermoplastic materials, in particular polyester and polyamide hot melt adhesives, are especially useful for forming the prongs of the hook fastening material. In some embodiments, the prongs can be manufactured using a modified gravure printing process by printing thermoplastic material in a molten state onto a substrate in discrete units, cutting the material in a manner that allows the thermoplastic material to be cut before being severed. A portion is still stretched, and the stretched molten material is allowed to "freeze" to create the prongs. Such hook fastening materials, as well as methods and apparatus for producing such hook fastening materials, are described in more detail in European Patent Application 0 381 087. In some embodiments, the hooks may be thermoplastically printed. Examples of suitable hook printing methods are described in US Patent 5,540,673 and WO 2004/082918.

An example of a suitable receiving component may include a plurality of collars. Loop fastening materials and methods of making them are described in the following patents: US Patent 5,380,313, US Patent 5,569,233, US Patent 5,407,439, US Patent 5,542,942, US Patent 5,669,900, US Patent 5,318,555, US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 /0077430 and WO 04/030763.

An example of a suitable adhesive component may include discrete strip tabs. A suitable tabbed example is available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. under the designation XMF99121.

Examples of suitable adhesive components may include adhesive fastening patches. In some embodiments, an adhesive fastening patch may be formed from an inherently crystalline, water-based synthetic elastomer to which tackifiers have been added to disrupt the polycrystalline structure, thereby rendering the elastomer tacky. Exemplary synthetic adhesive products are available from Andover Coated Products, Incorporated, Salisbury, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and are described in U.S. Patent 6,156,424.

Disposable diapers can include many components, elements, components, etc., and can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, the length and width dimensions of the topsheet and backsheet can generally be greater than the length and width dimensions of the absorbent core. The topsheet and backsheet can extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core, thereby forming the perimeter of the disposable absorbent article. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core can comprise a wide variety of different materials and can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations. Exemplary diaper materials and configurations are generally described in US Patent 3,860,003, US Patent 5,151,092, and US Patent 5,221,274.

Any topsheet known in the art to be compatible with the present invention may be used in the present invention. Suitable materials for the topsheet can be made from various materials such as porous foam, cellular foam, perforated plastic film, or from natural fibers such as wood fibers or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), or a woven or nonwoven material composed of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. For example, a material suitable for a topsheet comprising a web of staple length polypropylene fibers is manufactured under the designation P-8 by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company, Walpole, MA.

Some examples of suitable topsheets are also described in the following patents: US Patent 3,929,135, US Patent 4,324,246, US Patent 4,342,314, US Patent 4,463,045, US Patent 5,006,394, US Patent 4,609,518, US Patent 4,629,643. Lotions known in the art can be applied to any portion of the topsheet. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in US Patent 5,607,760, US Patent 5,609,587, US Patent 5,635,191, US Patent 5,643,588, US Patent 5,968,025, US Patent 6,716,441, and PCT Publication WO 95/24173.

Additionally, the topsheet can be elastically extended or shortened in whole or in part to provide void space between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Exemplary structures including elasticized or shortened topsheets are described in more detail in US Patent 4,892,536, US Patent 4,990,147, US Patent 5,037,416, and US Patent 5,269,775.

Suitable backsheets for use in the disposable absorbent articles of the present invention may comprise laminated structures. For example, the backsheet may comprise a first backsheet layer and a second backsheet layer. The second backsheet layer may be impermeable to liquids (eg, urine) and comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of, for example, about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, VA and sold under the tradename CPC2 film. The first backsheet layer and/or the second backsheet layer may comprise a breathable material that allows vapors to escape from the pull-on while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Suitable breathable materials may include materials such as: woven webs, nonwoven webs, composites (e.g. film-coated nonwoven webs), microporous films (e.g. manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., Japan under the designation ESPOIRNO and manufactured by Tredegar Corporation, Richmond, VA and sold under the name EXAIRE), and monolithic films such as those manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH and designated HYTREL blend P18-3097 sheet film). Some breathable composite materials are described in more detail in PCT Application WO 95/16746, US Patent 5,938,648, US Patent 5,865,823, and US Patent 5,571,096.

The backsheet, or any portion thereof, is elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet may comprise a structural elastic-like film ("SELF") web. Structural elastic-like film webs are extensible materials that exhibit elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation without the use of added elastic materials, as described in more detail in US Patent No. 5,518,801. In alternative embodiments, the backsheet may comprise elastic films, foams, strands, or combinations of these or other suitable materials including nonwovens or synthetic films.

Suitable absorbent cores for use in the present invention may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain bodily effluent). In addition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core may also vary (for example, the absorbent core or other absorbent structure may have regions of varying thickness, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition regions of lower average density and lower average basis weight. ; or may include one or more layers or structures). Suitable exemplary absorbent structures for use as absorbent cores are described in the following patents: US Patent 4,610,678, US Patent 4,673,402, US Patent 4,834,735, US Patent 4,888,231, US Patent 5,137,537, US Patent 5,147,345, US Patent 5,342,338, US Patent 5,260,345 , US Patent 5,387,207 and US Patent 5,625,222.

The backsheet can be joined to the topsheet, absorbent core, or any other element of the disposable absorbent article by any attachment means known in the art. For example, the connecting means may comprise a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of discrete lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Some suitable connecting components are disclosed in US Patent 4,573,986, US Patent 3,911,173, US Patent 4,785,996, and US Patent 4,842,666. Examples of suitable adhesives are manufactured by H.B. Fuller Comp, St. Paul, Minnesota) and sold as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment method may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable attachment method, or a combination of these attachment methods known in the art.

Various sublayers may be disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The sublayer can be any material or structure capable of receiving, storing or immobilizing bodily exudates. Thus, a sublayer may comprise a single material or a plurality of materials operatively associated with each other. In addition, the sublayer can be integral with another element that pulls on the disposable absorbent article, or it can be one or more separate elements that are joined directly or indirectly to one or more elements in the disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, the sublayer may comprise a structure separate from the absorbent core, or may comprise or be part of at least a portion of the absorbent core.

Suitable exemplary materials for use as a sublayer may include large cell open cell foams, macrocellular pressure resistant high loft nonwovens, large particle size granular open and closed cell foams (macrocellular and/or microcellular), high loft Nonwovens, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyurethane foams or granules, structures comprising a plurality of vertically oriented annular bundles of fibers, absorbent core structures as described above with perforations or depressions, etc. (As used herein, the term "microporous" refers to a material capable of transporting fluid by capillary action. The term "macroporous" refers to a material having pores too large to allow capillary transport of fluid, typically having a pore diameter of greater than about 0.5 mm, and more specifically, the diameter of the hole is greater than about 1.0 mm.) One embodiment of the secondary layer includes a mechanical fastening loop attachment component having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 mm, commercially available under the trade designation XPL-7124 From 3M Corporation (Minneapolis, Minnesota). Another embodiment includes a 6 denier, resin bonded crimped high loft non-fabricated material having a basis weight of 110 grams per square meter and an uncompressed thickness of 7.9 millimeters, available from Glit Company (Wrens, Georgia). Other suitable absorbent and nonabsorbent sublayers are described in US Patent 6,680,422 and US Patent 5,941,864. Additionally, the sublayer, or any portion thereof, may include or be coated with lotions or other known substances to increase, enhance or alter the characteristics or other properties of the element.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers for providing clearance for waste, barriers for restricting movement of waste within the article, receiving and containing waste deposited in pull-on disposable absorbent articles Compartments or voids, etc., or any combination thereof. Examples of pockets and pads for absorbent products are described in US Pat. Examples of compartments or voids in absorbent articles are disclosed in US Patent 4,968,312, US Patent 4,990,147, US Patent 5,062,840, and US Patent 5,269,755. Examples of suitable lateral shields are described in US Patent 5,554,142, PCT Patent WO94/14395, and US Patent 5,653,703. Examples of other structures suitable for treating low viscosity feces are disclosed in US Patent 5,941,864, US Patent 5,977,430, and US Patent 6,013,063.

Embodiments of the present invention may include an acquisition/distribution layer that may be configured to distribute moisture from a wetting event to the moisture responsive member of the disposable absorbent article. Examples of suitable acquisition/distribution layers are described in US Patent 5,460,622, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0027267, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/009173.

Embodiments of the present invention may include dusting layers as are known in the art. Examples of suitable dusting layers are discussed in US Patent 4,888,231.

Test Methods:

ductility test

Force of elongation, measured using a load cell on a constant rate extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 software, such as that available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN), The measured force is in the range of 10% to 90% of the limit value of the load cell. Both the movable pneumatic grip (top) and the fixed pneumatic grip (bottom) are equipped with diamond-shaped grips wider than the width of the test specimen.

Prior to testing, samples were equilibrated for at least two hours in a conditioned room maintained at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity. Herein, the width of the sample is defined as dimension 491 and its length is defined as dimension 490 as described in FIG. 1B .

Select two matching fastening members 100 and label them Sample A and Sample B. The proximal edge of the stiffening element at 110B is identified and marked on Sample A. Determine and mark the proximal edge 110C of the stretch zone. For example, markings may be made 1 mm along the width of the stretch zone, which is considered boundary 110C. A 1 cm segment was pulled lightly (<0.2N(20gf)) by hand along the edge to detect the border, ie where the marker remained 1 mm from said border and separated. Measure the width of stretch zone 134 to the nearest 1 mm. A 2.54 mm long strip 490 was cut from the center of the sample using a scalpel, the strip extending the full width 491 of the sample. The width 491 of the strip is trimmed leaving at least 5 mm with its ends 110B and 110C extended for clamping in the clamping faces. The proximal edge of the stiffening element at 110B is also identified and marked on mating sample B. Measure the distance 133 from 110B to the proximal edge 302 of the fastening element to the nearest 1 mm. A 2.54 mm long strip 490 was cut from the center of the sample using a scalpel, the strip extending the full width 491 of the sample. The width 491 of the strip is trimmed, leaving at least 5 mm to extend the ends 302 and 110B for gripping in the jaw faces.

Set the gauge length of the tensile tester to a distance of 134. Zero the collet and load the load cell. Insert sample A into the upper jaw, align it along 110B, and close the upper jaw. Insert the sample into the lower jaw, align it along 110C, and close. The sample should be vertically aligned with no tilt and subjected to sufficient tension to remove any slack but less than 0.05N force on the load cell. Start the tensile tester and start data collection. Pull the clamps apart at a rate of 127 mm/min to the desired percent elongation. As used herein, percent elongation is defined as elongation divided by gauge length, multiplied by 100. Return the gauge length to distance 133 and manipulate sample B in a similar manner, aligning the sample at 302 and 110B in the clamps.

The force at which the desired percent elongation is achieved is calculated by the software from the resulting force/elongation curve. Results are calculated as the force in Newtons divided by the length of the sample in mm (direction 490 ) to achieve the target elongation and reported to the nearest 0.01 N/mm.

Hardness measurement

Hardness, measured using a constant rate extension tensile tester equipped with a 10 N load cell and with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is MTS Alliance with TestWorks 4 software installed, such as that available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota) . The plunger cutter 2100 shown in Figure 6A (front view) and Figure 6B (side view) was used as the upper movable test fixture. The base support platform 2200 shown in FIG. 6 was used as the lower fixed test fixture. All testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity. Herein, the width of the sample is defined as dimension 491 and its length is defined as dimension 490 as described in FIG. 1B .

The components of the compression bar 2100 are made from lightweight materials such as aluminum to maximize the available load cell capacity. The shaft 2101 is machined to fit the tensile tester and has a lock collar 2102 to stabilize the plunger and maintain orthogonal alignment with the base support platform 2204 . Blade 2103 is 115mm long (2108) x 65mm high (2107) x 3.25mm wide (2109) and has a material contacting edge with a continuous radius of 1.625mm. The bracket 2104 has an adjustment screw 2105 (for leveling the blade) and a main adjustment screw 2106 (for holding it securely after adjustment).

Bottom clamp 2200 is engaged to tensile tester by shaft 2201 and lock collar 2202 . Two movable supporting platforms 2204 are installed on the guide rail 2203 . Each test surface 2205 was 85mm wide (2206) x 115mm long (into the plane of the drawing) and was made of polished stainless steel to have a minimum coefficient of friction. Each platform has a digital position monitor 2208 showing the position of the respective platform and an adjustment screw 2207 to lock its position after adjustment. The two platforms 2204 are square at the edge of the gap, and the plate edges should be parallel front to back. The two platforms form a gap 2209 with an adjustable gap width 2210 .

The plunger blade 2103 is precisely (±0.02 mm) aligned so that it is normal to the top surface of the support platform 2204 and exhibits no slope relative to its gap edge. The gap 2210 between the two gap edges of the support platform 2204 was precisely set to 8.00 mm ± 0.02 mm using the position monitor 2208 where the plunger blade 2103 was precisely (± 0.02 mm) centered. Program the tensile tester for compression testing. The gauge distance from the bottom of the plunger blade 2103 to the top surface of the support platform 2204 was set at 15 mm. Set the collet to drop 25mm at a speed of 500mm/min. Set the data acquisition rate to 200Hz.

Samples were equilibrated at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Test samples of 13 mm width (direction 491 ) x 25.4 mm length (direction 490 ) were die cut. If the width of the component is not 13mm, the full width of the component is used. Samples were inspected for any exposed adhesive and deactivated by application of baby powder if necessary. Lay the sample flat on the surface of the support platform 2204 with the fastening elements facing up over the gap 2209 . If the particular sample does not contain fastening elements, orient the sample with the fastening element side facing up. The sample is centered on the gap, its length (direction 490 shown in Figure 5) should be parallel to the gap, and its width (direction 491) should be perpendicular to the gap. Zero the load cell; start the tensile tester and data acquisition.

Program the software to calculate the maximum peak force (N) and stiffness (N/m) from the constructed force (N) versus elongation (m) curve. Stiffness was calculated as the gradient of the force/extension curve corresponding to the straight region of the curve (see Figure 7), using the smallest line segment of at least 25% of the total peak force to calculate the gradient. If the component's width is not 13mm, normalize the actual width to 13mm as follows:

Hardness _{(actual length)} = [hardness _(13mm) /13mm] × actual width (mm)

Peak force _{(actual length)} = [peak force _(13mm) /13mm] × actual width (mm)

Report peak force to the nearest 0.1 N and report hardness to the nearest 0.1 N/m.

Measurement of exposure of hardened components

The exposed edges of the hardened elements were measured under tensions of 1.5 N/cm and 4.0 N/cm. The fastening member 100 (see FIG. 8 ) is carefully removed from the article by cutting or peeling the intact member from the article using a freezing spray such as Cytofreeze. A total of five fastening members were tested and the results reported as the average of these repeated measurements. All samples were equilibrated at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 24 hours prior to testing. Herein, according to FIG. 8 , the width of the sample is defined as dimension 491 and its length is defined as dimension 490 .

The test bench consists of a laboratory ring frame with additional horizontal bars, two mechanical grips 1051 and 1061 to hold the sample, and a suspension weight 1063 to apply a specific force. Specifically, the clamps are at least 5 mm wider than the length 122 of the fastening member and can apply sufficient clamping force so that the sample does not slide in either clamp under the applied force. Mount the upper clamp to the crossbar and orient it so that the specimen hangs vertically without hindrance. The lower grip allows the suspension weight of the sample to provide a specific force.

To obtain an initial measurement without tension, place the sample 100 on a flat surface with the clasp 116 facing upward. The length of the fastening member is measured along its inner edge 302 using a digital thickness gauge and recorded as F1 to the nearest 0.1 mm. The end region length 125 at the interface 1700 is also measured (FIG. IB) and recorded as E1 to the nearest 0.1 mm.

Measure the mass of the lower clamp and record it as C1 to the nearest 0.01 g. Calculate the mass of the suspended weight corresponding to each tension as follows:

W1(g)＝[0.15N/mm×F1(mm)×101.97g/N]-C1(g)

W2(g)＝[0.40N/mm×F1(mm)×101.97g/N]-W1(g)

Secure the first 10 mm of the inside edge 102 of the sample in the upper clamp. Secure the first 10mm of the sample outboard end 104 in the lower clamp. Allow the specimen to hang vertically under the weight of the lower grip. Add weight W1 to the lower clamp as follows, and measure any exposed corners at each end of the stiffness member within 30 seconds of applying the force (see Figure 8).

A digital thickness gauge is used to measure the linear distance parallel to 490 between the intersection points of the first edge 1018 of the stiffness element and the leading edge 1010 of the panel and the interface line 1700 respectively. Record this result as the exposed upper edge length U1 to the nearest 0.1 mm. Next, use a digital thickness gauge to measure the linear distance parallel to 490 between the intersection points of the second edge 1017 of the hardness element and the trailing edge 1012 of the area and the interface line 1700 respectively. Record this result as the exposed lower edge length L1 to the nearest 0.1 mm.

With the sample state unchanged, weight W2 was added to the lower grip as described above, and any exposed corners at each end of the stiffness member were measured within 30 seconds of applying the additional weight. Record U2 as the upper exposed edge and L2 as the lower exposed edge, respectively.

Calculate the following exposure ratios (all lengths below are in mm):

R1=U1/F1×100

R2=U2/F1×100

R3=L1/F1×100

R4=L2/F1×100

R5=U1/E1×100

R6=U2/E1×100

R7=L1/E1×100

R8=L2/E1×100

Five replicate fastening elements were measured and all exposure ratios were reported as the average of the five replicate measurements to the nearest 0.1%.

Dimensions and numerical values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the precise numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension means both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" means "about 40mm".

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference. Any citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition ascribed to the term in this written document will control.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (16)

1. fastening member with medial extremity and outboard end, described fastening member also comprises:

The section that contiguous described medial extremity is provided with, described section comprises:

Ground floor; With

The second layer, it joins on the described ground floor with face-to-face orientation;

The petiolarea that contiguous described outboard end is provided with, wherein said petiolarea comprises element zone and zone line, the layout setting between contiguous described section of wherein said zone line and the petiolarea is between described element zone and section; With

Be arranged on the hardening component in the described petiolarea, wherein said hardening component has the hardness greater than 200N/m, and the layout setting between contiguous section of wherein said hardening component and the petiolarea is between the described ground floor and the described second layer and join on the described ground floor and the described second layer.

2. fastening member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hardening component comprises first and second portion, wherein said first joins on the described ground floor and the described second layer, and wherein said second portion joins on described ground floor and the element, and preferably described element comprises a plurality of conjugative components.

3. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said hardening component comprises first and second portion, wherein said first joins on the described ground floor and the described second layer, and wherein said second portion joins on the element.

4. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said section also comprises the elastomer element that is interposed between the described ground floor and the described second layer.

5. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said first is arranged between the described elastomer element and the described second layer, and wherein said first joins on the described elastomer element and the described second layer.

6. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said first is arranged between described elastomer element and the described ground floor, and wherein said first joins on described elastomer element and the described ground floor.

7. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said section may extend to greater than 100% under the plus load of 4.0N/cm, and preferably described petiolarea may extend to less than 100% under the plus load of 4.0N/cm.

8. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said petiolarea also comprises the element that limits described element zone, wherein said element zone has first hardness, and described zone line has second hardness, and wherein said first hardness is greater than described second hardness.

9. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said first hardness is greater than 1000N/m, and described second hardness is less than 1000N/m.

10. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said first hardness is greater than 1000N/m and less than 7000N/m, preferably described first hardness is greater than 1500N/m and less than 6000N/m, and preferably described first hardness is greater than 2500N/m and less than 5000N/m.

11. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said element comprises a plurality of suspension hooks.

12. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, described fastening member also comprises grip areas, the outboard end setting of the contiguous described fastening member of described grip areas makes described element zone be arranged between described zone line and the described grip areas.

13. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said section has the 3rd hardness less than 250N/m.

14. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, wherein said hardening component stretches out from the interface, makes described element zone comprise the part of described hardening component.

15. the described fastening member of each claim as described above, the wherein said ground floor and the second layer comprise whole petiolarea, and wherein said hardening component stretches out from the interface, make described hardening component and described ground floor and described second layer limit altogether.

16. the fastening member with medial extremity and outboard end, described fastening member also comprises:

A.) section of contiguous described medial extremity setting, described section comprises:

I.) ground floor;

Ii.) join the second layer on the described ground floor to; With

Iii.) elastomer element, described elastomer element are arranged between the described ground floor and the described second layer, make described elastomer element be interposed between the described ground floor and the described second layer;

B.) petiolarea of contiguous described outboard end setting, wherein said petiolarea comprises element zone with first hardness and the zone line with second hardness, layout setting between contiguous section of wherein said zone line and the petiolarea is between described element zone and described section, and wherein said first hardness is greater than described second hardness;

C.) element, described element are arranged in the described petiolarea and limit described element zone; With

D.) be arranged on hardening component in the described petiolarea, wherein said hardening component has the hardness greater than 200N/m, and the layout setting between contiguous described section of wherein said hardening component and the petiolarea is between the described ground floor and the second layer and join on the described ground floor and the second layer.

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